Young male

The structures and institutions that shape how leadership is defined and exerted are under pressure. Four young leaders share insights on how to overcome this crisis of leadership. What does growing up with AI mean for young people? Here are three messages leaders in Davos were keen to get across on the issue. At Davos 2026, participants discussed growth opportunities for African countries including education, jobs, tech, minerals and agriculture like blue foods. The Global Shapers network of young leaders will meet in Geneva to unlock new ideas, build partnerships and ignite collective action for lasting impact. Young leaders are responding to a pattern they’ve noticed and experienced repeatedly, one where organizations commit to social innovation without youth and limited local knowledge. The Shapers acknowledged the change brought by certain organizations that shift resources and decision-making to young people to shape solutions, but it’s a rarity. The World Economic Forum announces its 2026 class of Young Global Leaders, a cohort of under-40 leaders across sectors and regions. The group includes public leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists and artists from more than 50 countries. They join a global community focused on leadership development, collaboration and impact across key global challenges. Young people need high-quality, solutions-focussed online science resources to help them understand climate change and feel inspired to develop solutions. Young people bring critical perspectives that are often dramatically different to those of older generations, especially when it comes to digital and societal expectations. Leveraging these insights is an essential ingredient in business plans that are resilient and adaptable in a fast-changing world. Women continue to face systemic obstacles in education, employment, digital access and more – but three youth-led initiatives show how gender equality can begin at the grassroots. Geneva, Switzerland, 16 April 2026 – The World Economic Forum today announces the 2026 class of Young Global Leaders, a cohort of 118 leaders under the age of 40, from 55 countries, spanning public service, innovation, research, civil society, entrepreneurship and culture.

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